Loud Chronic Snoring
Snoring is due to obstructed airway movement while sleeping. When the air flow is obstructed, it causes a vibration in the walls of the throat causing a loud sound known as snoring. Some causes of snoring come from obstructed nasal airways, poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue, or bulky throat tissue. Snoring often occurs in overweight individuals, and one of the most common causes is a long soft palate and/or uvula (which is the dangling tissue in back of the mouth).
As many as half of adults snore on occasion. 1 in 15 Americans have a snoring problem (loud, chronic snoring). Snoring can disrupt marriages and cause sleepless nights for bed-partners. Sometimes the emotional costs of snoring are as severe as snoring's physical damage.
Not only can snoring be disruptive to your relationship, it can be a sign of a serious disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Snoring is one of the first signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime, or sleeping on your side can help stop snoring.
In addition, medical devices and surgery are available that may reduce disruptive snoring. However, these aren't suitable or necessary for everyone who snores.
The most common symptoms of chronic snoring and disrupted sleep are:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Lack of focus
- Decreased sex drive